as in bought
made beforehand in large numbers she chose to have her computer designed to her specifications rather than buying an off-the-shelf machine

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of off-the-shelf Without domain-specific meaning intelligence and robust processes, off-the-shelf models can produce false positives or overlook risks. Dr. Chiranjiv Roy, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 This study marks a key moment in cancer immunotherapy, demonstrating how a generalized, off-the-shelf mRNA vaccine – not tailored to any specific cancer tumor – can awaken the immune system and amplify the effects of existing treatments. New Atlas, 18 July 2025 The risk is real: Without a clear advantage over ubiquitous, off-the-shelf AI tools, these companies are unlikely to generate strong returns. Evan Renov, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 There is still enough time, barely, for a private group to work with scientists to develop instrumentation that could be added to an off-the-shelf spacecraft bus to get out to Apophis before its Earth encounter. ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for off-the-shelf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for off-the-shelf
Adjective
  • The chain said that refunds would be available to patrons who had pre-bought tickets.
    Patrick Frater, Variety, 14 July 2022
  • Cineplex has also begun offering refunds to all customers that pre-bought tickets for upcoming film screenings.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Jan. 2022
Adjective
  • The store cuts come months after Kroger announced two rounds of layoffs of an unspecified number of non-store workers this spring.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 June 2025
  • Closures come after two rounds of layoffs The store closures come months after Kroger announced two rounds of layoffs of an unspecified number of non-store workers this spring.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 29 Nov. 2022

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Cite this Entry

“Off-the-shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/off-the-shelf. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

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